Langkawi Guide: Your Free Langkawi Guide From The Asia Travel Specialists
Langkawi Guide: Your Free Langkawi Guide From The Asia Travel Specialists
Langkawi Guide: Your Free Langkawi Guide From The Asia Travel Specialists
www.asiawebdirect.com
LANGKAWI GUIDE
YOUR FREE LANGKAWI GUIDE FROM THE ASIA TRAVEL SPECIALISTS
An archipelago of 99 islands, Langkawi is the country's most enthusiastically promoted tourist destination. Away from the main island's
developed areas, Langkawi is rural with mountainous interior, villages, rice paddies and jungle-covered hills. A duty-free location,
Langkawi is also the perfect place to buy cheap luxuries and it's recognized for its excellent dive sites and what some say are the most
beautiful beaches in Malaysia.
Besides all that, sightseeing attractions that range from the Underwater World and the Cable Car & Skybridge to natural draws such as
Langkawi's offshore islets and the Telaga Tujuh waterfalls make Langkawi Malaysia's most popular tourist destination.
WEATHER
Featuring an equatorial climate, Langkawi is
suited for year-round travel. Shielded from
major winds and storms by the mainland on
one side and Sumatra on the other, the island
has two prevailing seasons - dry season
(November to March) and wet season.
Temperatures are fairly consistent during the
day, ranging from 30C to 35C, while at
night they drop to 28C or 29C; humidity
levels remain high at about 80% throughout
the year. The most rainfall occurs in
September and October, as a result of the
monsoon winds.
http://www.langkawi-info.com/info/weather.htm
AIRPORT TRANSFERS
Langkawi doesn't have a comprehensive
public transportation system. There are only a
few ways to get to your hotel from the
Langkawi International Airport (or the Kuah
jetty) - the best of which is to hire an
inexpensive airport transfer at http://www.visitmalaysia.com/langkawi-transfer.htm.
Taxis are another option but they don't
operate on a meter system so fares are
relatively high - a trip will cost you RM10 and
RM20 to Padang Matsirat and Pantai Cenang.
Meanwhile, from the Kuah jetty it costs RM5
to Kuah Town and RM26 to Pantai Kok.
GETTING AROUND
Langkawi has no trains so the best way to get
around the island is to rent a car. Roads are
easy to navigate and traffic is almost nonexistent; you can rent a car when you exit the
arrival hall of the Langkawi International
Airport or book one in advance at
http://www.langkawi-info.com/rentcar/. If you're
arriving via the Kuah jetty, touts from travel
agencies will approach you upon arrival rates start at around RM60 per day, but drops
with bargaining. The bus service that departs
from the stand opposite the hospital runs only
three routes out of Kuah - to Pantai Cenang,
Padang Lalang and Pantai Kok. Alternatively,
cabs are a good option - fares are a little
pricey and taxis aren't exactly ubiquitous - but
they're convenient. They don't operate using
a meter, rather with a set fare - a journey
between Kuah and Pantai Cenang will cost
you around RM24. There's a taxi station at the
Langkawi Fair mall and at the jetty.
http://www.langkawiinfo.com/info/gettingaround.htm
CURRENCY
Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). US$1 =
approximately MYR 3.2
TIME ZONE
GMT+8 (the same as China, Hong Kong and
Singapore).
ELECTRICITY
Main voltage in Malaysia is 220 volts. Connect
to the reliable electricity supply (220V-240V,
50 cycles) with a UK-type three-square-pin or
two-parallel-flat-pin (British BS-1363) plugs.
Tourist Police
Civil Defence
991
Customs
Directory Enquiries
103
112
994
Foreign Affairs
Immigration
MAS Airline
1 300 88 3000
AirAsia Airline
www.asiawebdirect.com
PANTAI CENANG
PANTAI TENGAH
KUAH
Read More...
Read More...
Read More...
PADANG MATSIRAT
PANTAI KOK
DATAI BAY
Read More...
Read More...
Read More...
More at http://www.langkawi-info.com/areas.htm
www.asiawebdirect.com
Book Now!
Book Now!
Book Now!
The four-star Frangipani is a charming, ecotourism venture that really puts its money
where its mouth is. Utilising treatment plants
to recycle and treat water, energy efficient
light bulbs and sustainable building materials,
the resort has a competent set up. Spread
across 10 acres, Frangipani has 118 air-con
rooms with large beds, flat-screen TVs, ceiling
fans, attached bathrooms and private
balconies; villas have semi-outdoor rainforest
showers. Hotel facilities include two pools
and Jacuzzis, a spa and beach volleyball
court.
Book Now!
Book Now!
Book Now!
More at http://www.langkawi-resorts.com/toptenhotels.htm
www.asiawebdirect.com
Book Now!
Book Now!
Book Now!
HOTEL LANGKASUKA
LANGKAWI, KUAH
Book Now!
Book Now!
Book Now!
More at http://www.langkawi-resorts.com/toptenhotels.htm
www.asiawebdirect.com
DATARAN LANG
Built on a pier extending into the bay, beside the Kuah jetty, Dataran Lang (Eagle Square) - a 12-metre tall
monument of a sea eagle preparing for flight - is Langkawi's most important landmark. It's a good photo opportunity
with landscaped ponds, terraces and bridges, but the best part about the site are the small souvenir carts and food
stalls surrounding it, plus the Jetty Point mall is just next door. You'll be more comfortable visiting during the early
morning or late evening to avoid the heat. Read more... Open: 24 hours
Location: Kuah Jetty Tel: +604 966 7789
(Langkawi Tourist Information Centre)
Langkawi's Cable Car affords some of the best views of Gunung Mat Cincang & the island's mountainside
greenery. Located in the Oriental Village - a charming pseudo-French and old Chinese town - the gondola-style cabs
sway precariously with the wind the closer you get to the apex of Gunung Mat Cincang, but the vertigo-inducing ride
is well-worth it. At the top of the mountain is the Skybridge - a curved suspension bridge listed as one of the world's
ten most amazing bridges by Travel + Leisure and one of the world's highest single-support bridges. Read more...Open:
10:00 - 20:00 Location: Jalan Telaga Tujuh Teluk Burau Tel: +604 959 4225
Underwater World Langkawi is Malaysia's largest aquarium, housing more than 500 species of animals and sea
creatures including harbour seals, rockhopper penguins, sharks, as well as flamingos and mandarin ducks. Located at
the southern end of Pantai Cenang, one of its highlights is the 15-metre, six million litre walk-through underwater
tunnel tank, home to sharks, giant stingrays and green turtles. Read more... Open: 09:30 - 18:30 Monday - Friday; 09:30 22:30 Friday - Sunday
The Langkawi Sky Bridge, situated at the 'end' of the Langkawi Cable Car ride, is a 410ft-long curved pedestrian
bridge above Mount Mat Cincang. Located 2,300ft above sea level, the Sky Bridge offers an exhilarating (sometimes
terrifying) view of the surrounding rainforests and tiny islands surrounding Langkawi. Do note that The Langkawi Sky
Bridge is currently under renovation and will be reopened in December 2014. Read more... Open: 10:00 - 20:00
Location: Jalan Telaga Tujuh Teluk Burau Tel: +604 959 4225
Located along Jalan Ayer Hangat, about 10 minutes from Kuah, the five-acre Langkawi Bird Paradise & Wildlife
Farm houses a tropical garden with over 150 species of birds including toucans, eagles, hornbills and flamingos.
Known as the Taman Burung Langkawi in Malay, the complex is a great go-to spot on a rainy day due to its covered
walkways. Besides birdlife, there's also a 15-metre manmade waterfall at the 10,000 m complex. Read more... Open:
08:30 - 18:00 Location: Lot 1485, Jalan Ayer Hangat, Kampung Belanga Pecah Tel: +604 966 5855
The Langkawi Island Hopping Tour stops at Langkawi's most illustrious islets, such as the verdant Pulau Singa
Besar where guests can watch eagles soaring overhead, Pulau Dayang Bunting where guests can go for a swim in the
island's freshwater lake and finally, Basah Island - or Wet Rice Island where you can relax and soak up the sun and sea.
Read more...
Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls is billed as Langkawi Island's most wonderful natural attraction with locals claiming it to
be the home of faeries. Set on Langkawi's western headlands, its name means Seven Wells Waterfalls, referring to a
series of seven connected natural pools fed by seven separate waterfalls in Mount Mat Cincang. Visitors can enjoy a
dip in the cool water or brave the steep climb to the top of the waterfalls. Read more... Location: Gunung Mat Cincang in
Kuah
Beside the Kuah jetty, Lagenda Langkawi Dalam Taman is a folklore-themed park with sculptures portraying
famous island legends. Stretching along the waterfront, the park (opened in 1996) features colourful statues, dotted
amid the lakes, with signboards in English detailing the mythology associated with specific figures. The 50 ha
compound has a total of 17 sculptures including those of heroic giants, mythical birds, evil ogres and beautiful
princesses. Read more... Open: 09:00-19:00 Location: Kuah Jetty (next to Eagle Square and Jetty Point Mall) Tel: +604 966 4223
More at http://www.langkawi-info.com/attractions/
www.asiawebdirect.com
WHAT TO DO IN LANGKAWI
Langkawi's beaches are great, but there's a host of experiences off-shore that make it a world-class destination. Langkawi's not perfect - it doesn't
have Miami Beach's well-worn-yet-well-maintained feel, nor is it an untouched retreat ala Koh Kood, but it offers world-class diving opportunities, a
healthy number of sightseeing attractions that don't detract from its seaside offerings, and an abundance of tour operators making it supremely easy to
visit its offshore islets.
The 4 km Pulau Payar Marine Park is a cluster of four islands - comprising Pulau Payar (the largest), Pulau Kaca, Pulau
Lembu and Pulau Segantang. Drawing in hundreds each year, weather conditions are usually sunny, making it easy to
see the tropical undersea action without even having to go snorkelling. The perfect excursion for those who want to
escape the more popular white-sand beaches of Pantai Cenang & Pantai Tengah, this nine-hour tour introduces you to
the park's world-class diving and snorkelling. Book now , call +60 (3) 2302 7555
There are dozens of tours that will take you around Langkawi's main and offshore islets, but this particular tour allows
you to experience its best offerings - namely booze, lazy waves, good food and hidden lagoons. Perfect for a group of
friends, the final destination for this lazy cruise is the Hidden Lagoon or Dead Chinaman's Cave, but an open bar and
onboard barbecue lunch makes the journey itself unforgettable. Book now , call +60 (3) 2302 7555
The Langkawi Island Hopping & Eagle Feeding Tour takes you to three offshore islets: Pulau Dayang Bunting, Pulau
Singa Besar and Pulau Beras Basah. It's an example of some of the sights and activities on offer away from Langkawi's
famous beaches. Book now , call +60 (3) 2302 7555
Located in the Oriental Village in Pantai Kok, the gondola-style cabs of Langkawi's Cable Car will take you on a
dizzying ride to the top of Gunung Matchincang and the Langkawi Skybridge - one of the world's highest singlesupport bridges. There are observation decks set along the bridge allowing for great photo opportunities. This tour
also allows you to explore the Oriental Village and wraps up with a visit to the Telaga Tujuh (Seven Wells waterfalls),
Taman Buaya Langkawi (Langkawi Crocodile Farm) and Pantai Pasir Hitam (Black Sand Beach). Book now , call +60
(3) 2302 7555
There's more to Pulau Langkawi than its beaches, the island has a lush interior of paddy fields, mountains and
mangrove swamps. This four-hour tour explores the Kilim Nature Park - a swamp with brackish mangroves that protect
the coastline from erosion. Starting out at the mouth of the Kilim River, you'll get to see the 100 sqkm Kilim Nature
Park's vast ecology including protected mangrove forests, isolated beaches and lagoons that house overhanging
bogak trees, tree crabs, monitor lizards, macaques and more. Book now , call +60 (3) 2302 7555
This easy day trip to visit Pulau Langkawi's main offerings is perfect for families. Packed with sights and history, you'll
start out with a visit to the 19-acre Eagle Square; next door neighbours include the Jetty Point mall, which means
you're in luck when it comes to duty-free bargains. After lunch, head to the Galleria Perdana - a museum dedicated to
Malaysia's fourth Prime Minister, Tun Dr. Mahathir. Later visit the Oriental Village, home of Langkawi's Cable Car. The
last stop on the tour is Underwater World. Book now , call +60 (3) 2302 7555
A late afternoon tour onboard a luxury cruiser, this tour operates under a very simple premise - you get to laze happily
on deck enjoying the sea breezes, beautiful ocean sights and open bar. The best part is that while the cruise heads in
for up-close-and-personal looks at Langkawi's offshore islets, (including Pulau Dayang Bunting) you'll be able to enjoy
the warm ocean waters via a trawling net attached to the side of the boat. On a really good day, you might even
chance upon spinner dolphins and flying fish swimming around the yacht! Book now , call +60 (3) 2302 7555
Langkawi's undersea attractions aren't confined to the deep blue ocean: Underwater World Langkawi, Southeast
Asia's largest aquarium, is home to over 5,000 species of fish and various types of marine life, and you'll also see an
array of animals, birds and inhabitants of the sub-Antarctic, temperate and tropical rainforest regions. The facility also
functions as an educational hub where guests can learn about marine creatures through the information kiosks, 3D
theatre and wildlife gallery. This tour includes a visit to the aquarium and continues on to the Atma Alam Batik Art
Village, Eagle Square and Mahsuri's Tomb. Book now , call +60 (3) 2302 7555
More at http://www.langkawi-info.com/tours.htm
www.asiawebdirect.com
WHAT TO EAT
Just as Langkawi's visitors are diverse in cultures, you'll find the food on the island carries influences from around the world: from shrimp on the
barbie and burgers to bratwurst and seafood platters. Plenty of upmarket resorts offer contemporary international cuisine and excellent local food but
for that rustic feel, it can't get any better than eating out with the locals at their regular hide-outs. Worth particular mention is BNZ Sempoy'y and
Tomato Nasi Kandar - here you'll get to sample Langkawi's best take on favourite Malaysian dishes.
NASI LEMAK
ROTI CANAI
SATAY
NYONYA FOOD
ROTI JALA
A Malay dish so popular, even the Chinese and Indians serve their own similar version. At its very basic, Nasi
Lemak is a plate of white rice cooked in coconut milk. Accompanying it on the plate is 'sambal', a chilli paste mixed
with salted anchovies or 'ikan bilis'. Then there is an egg served, either boiled or fried, with cucumber slices of and
peanuts. Finally, you may add beef or chicken 'rendang', essentially pieces of meat cooked in rich coconut milk and
curry.
A truly Malaysian-Chinese dish, Bah Kut Teh originated from Klang a few decades ago from Klang in Selangor
state. It was prepared by a stall owner under a bridge for coolies in the area who smoked opium. As their taste buds
were affected by the drug, they lost their sense of taste. What the stall owner did was boil pork ribs and intestines in
strong Chinese medical herbs, creating a stew that was ripe with aroma. From there, Bah Kut Teh caught on and
became a nation-wide phenomenon.
A breakfast favourite, Roti Canai is the ultimate in simplicity and taste. It is a kind of pancake made by combining
wheat flour, oil, ghee or butter, rolled up into a ball and then flipped into the air until it takes a flat, oval shape. It is
then fried on a hot iron plate and served with dhal, chicken or fish curry. There are many variations on the same theme
that include putting in eggs to make 'Roti Telur', sardines to make 'Roti Sardin', bananas to make 'Roti Pisang' and so
on.
Satay is the Malaysian version of a kebab, only sweeter and somewhat smaller. Pieces of softened, marinated
meat are skewered on a thin stick made of coconut frond. It is then barbecued over a tray of hot steaming charcoals
until brown, moist and tender. A wide range of meat can be used from rabbit to venison, but beef and chicken are the
most common. Accompanying it is thick peanut gravy and 'ketupat', which is rice cooked in coconut milk, cut into
cubes and wrapped into an attractive weave of coconut leaves.
Although there are many varieties of meat used - steamed white chicken, barbecued pork, roasted duck, curried
boar - roasted chicken remains the most popular. First, the chicken is meticulously marinated (whole) and then roasted
in an oven until crispy brown. The rice, on the other hand, is cooked with the leftover stock in a pot, sometimes with a
touch of butter. Finally, cucumber slices are placed together with the chicken and rice to make Kai Fan.
The Nyonya food that you can find in Kuala Lumpur is heavily influenced by Malacca's rich Peranakan culture. The
Nyonya style of cooking is the result of a fusion between Chinese and Malay ingredients and recipes, the result of
Chinese traders settling in Malacca and adopting the Malay way of living in ther 16th century. Some of the most
common ingredients in Nyonya cuisine are coconut milk, lemon grass, turmeric, screw pine leaves, chillies and sambal.
A favourite hawker dish in Malaysia, fried kuay teow - flat rice noodles stir-fried with prawns, cockles, eggs, bean
sprouts and chives in chilli paste, lard and soy sauce - is one of the most popular regional dishes in the country. The
noodles are best eaten piping hot after they've just been stir fried in a huge wok. Highly sought after by local ardent
foodies, this dish is sometimes garnished with strips of Chinese sausage or crab meat.
Roti Jala is a popular tea-time entre in the Malay community. It literally translates to 'net bread' referring to its
thread-like pattern that resembles a fishing net. Essentially a type of crepe, Roti Jala occasionally replaces rice in the
Malay home for meals. The batter is made from a mixture of plain flour and eggs, with a pinch of turmeric powder and
butter that gives it a distinctive yellow colour. A special cup or mould with small holes is then used to make the lacy
crepe which is cooked over a hot griddle.
More at http://www.langkawi-info.com/food/
www.asiawebdirect.com
THE BRASSERIE
An airy al fresco dining room featuring an on-the-beach location with raw design focusing on ageing timber,
white tents, umbrellas and chairs, The Brasserie certainly makes for a romantic dinner spot, impressing immensely with
its casual elegance. We love the fact that the kitchen always seems to be innovative with its Mediterranean-inspired
offerings, making them a chart-topper in Langkawi's culinary game. Read more... Open: 12:00 - 24:00 Tel: +604 955 1927
Location: Jalan Pantai Cenang
The Pavilion, an award-winning establishment at The Datai Langkawi, is the best place for authentic Thai cuisine
in the tropical gem of Kedah. Perched high above in a rainforest canopy, diners are treated to classical Thai music in
the background, warm lighting, white orchids and the flickering light of candles on each table. Its peaceful setting and
quality offerings are definitely not to be missed by travellers and food enthusiasts alike. Read more... Open: Daily, 18:30 23:00 Tel: +604 9500 500 Location: The Datai Langkawi, Jalan Teluk Datai, 07000 Langkawi
Langkawi Fish Farm Restaurant is a tranquil seafood eatery that's surrounded by a vast garden area. Offering
delicious and value-for-money seafood cuisine, the indoor dining section is spacious and beautifully decorated with
pirate ship replicas and fishermen lanterns hanging from the ceiling while the sea deck outside is an open-air dining
space with a stunning view of the Andaman Sea. Read more... Open: Daily 13:00 - 23:00 Tel: +604 966 7988 Location: 1986,
Jalan Pantai Penarak
Seven Roof Restaurant is a rustic restaurant fabricated out of mangrove and bamboo trees with plenty of trees and
plants decorating its exterior. Serving a diverse range of Malay and Chinese cuisine as well as fresh seafood such as
crabs, lobsters, king prawns, mantis prawns, and squids, Seven Roof Restaurant is especially popular for its delectable
chilli tiger prawns served with garlic sauce. Read more... Open: Tuesday - Sunday 12:30 - 14:30 & 18:00 - 23:00 Tel: +604
955 8457 Location: 1751, Kampung Kuala Teriang
Llawa The Dining Lounge, located adjacent to Villa Molek, serves authentic Malay cuisine and selected western
fare at reasonable prices. Some of Llawa The Dining Lounge's crowd-favourite dishes include the flavourful beef
rendang, savoury king prawns in coconut milk with pineapple, and black pepper sirloin steak. It is also a great place
for booze as diners can enjoy drinks at half price from 17:00 until 19:00. Read more... Open: Daily 16:00 - 23:30 Tel: +604
955 3608 Location: Jalan Teluk Baru
THE CLIFF
For fine dining with unbeatable views of the Andaman Sea, The Cliff is certainly a winner. Offering beautifullyexecuted, authentic Malay dishes that are rich in flavour, the establishment has an indoor dining room, bar and al
fresco garden. A polished outfit with buffed wood floors, white plastic bucket chairs and white cloth-covered tables,
The Cliff exudes a casual and comfortable dining ambiance. Read more... Open: 12:00 - 23:00 Tel: +604 953 3228
Location: Pantai Cenang
Nestled in a forested area on a hill and overlooking the Andaman Sea, Unkaizan is a premier restaurant that
serves authentic Japanese fare live seafood in Pantai Tengah. Diners have a variety of seafood to choose from, such as
tiger prawns, lobsters, snappers, and garoupa, which are then expertly prepared by Japanese chefs. Unkaizan's
delectable desserts are definite must-tries; highly recommended are its handmade ice creams and rice cake with
mitarashi sauce. Read more... Open: Daily 18:00 - 23:00 Tel: +604 955 4118 Location: Jalan Teluk Baru
The Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar, overlooking the Andaman Sea, is a two-storey establishment which serves
Malaysian and Mediterranean fare in Pantai Tengah. Housing a fine dining establishment, a well-stocked bar, and a
casual outdoor dining area which extends to the beachside, The Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar is perfect for diners to
stay till the wee hours sipping on cocktails or chugging beers. Read more... Open: Daily 08:00 00:00 Tel: +6019 402 2005
or +6012 429 3729 Location: Simpang Jalan Pantai Tengah
More at http://www.langkawi-info.com/food/
www.asiawebdirect.com
WHERE TO GO AT NIGHT
Langkawi's best places for after-hours drinks are located around Pantai Cenang, Pantai Tengah and Pantai Kok. Cenang's stretch is popular for its
restaurants that morph into nightclubs with cocktail bars and Pantai Tengah's strip has pubs with deejays spinning music and live performances from
local acts. Meanwhile, Pantai Kok's after-dark scene is centred on the Telaga Harbour Park - a boardwalk opposite the marina.
The Sunset Deck, located in Bon Ton Resort, is a tranquil establishment that offers a satisfying selection of
cocktails, wines, liqueurs and other beverages along with its tapas or mezze menu. With a massive open-air seating
area on a wooden platform that is surrounded by palm trees and coconut trees, diners are treated to a lovely view of
the sunset as they sip on their favourite cocktails. Open: Daily 17:00 - 02:00 Location: Bon Ton Resort Tel: +604 955 168
D'Reef at The Cliff is a sleek open-air bar that is suspended over the headland of Pantai Cenang, offering a
panoramic sunset view of the Andaman Sea. In addition to a wide array of beers, juices, soft drinks, wines, and
cocktails, the bar also offers its very own exotic concoctions such as the espresso-martini and romantic poison rose.
D'Reef at The Cliff is the perfect place to enjoy the evening breeze and sound of waves in Pantai Cenang. Open: Daily
12:00 - 23:00 Location: Pantai Cenang Tel: +604 953 322
YELLOW CAFE
Proudly marching to its own beat, the quirky and vibrant Yellow Cafe is a standout beach bar with chairs, walls
and even hammocks in varying shades of yellow. During the evenings, diners can lounge on colourful beanbags right
on the sandy beach and enjoy the relaxing sounds of cascading waves. Diners can also get two beers for the price of
one from 18:00 to 20:00 - a steal considering booze is already dirt cheap in Langkawi Island. Read more... Open: Tuesday
- Sunday 11:00 - 01:00 Address: Pantai Cenang, PO Box 121, 07000 Langkawi Tel: +6012 459 3190
Sunba Retro Bar, situated in Pantai Tengah, is one of Langkawi's few clubs that stays open until the wee hours of
morning. Resembling Phuket and Bali's nightlife scene with party tunes as an aural backdrop, this mega-dance club is
a great casual meeting place for after-hour drinks. The signature cocktails are highly recommended, such as the
Flaming Lamborghini, Sunba Sunba, and the alcohol-infused Milo Ice. Open: Daily 17:00 - 02:00 Location: Jalan Teluk
Baru Tel: +604 966 8700
Debbie's Place Irish Bar is situated opposite the Malibest Resort along the southern end of Pantai Cenang.
Exuding a noticeably outdoorsy feel, this humble watering hole is a pleasant place to catch up with friends over a few
ice cold beers. Marvel at owner Debbie's great showmanship of mixing cocktails with just one hand. Open: Daily 19:00 02:00 Location: Pantai Tengah Tel: +604 953 1801
L'OSTERIA
Breeze Lounge at The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa is one of the swankiest nocturnal establishments in
Langkawi, offering a wide range of cocktails, wines, beers and light snacks for a great night out with fellow
companions. From Tuesday to Sunday, guests are treated to a wonderful live performance by the lounge's resident
band. Open: Daily 09:00 - 01:00 Location: Kuah Tel: +604 960 8888 or +604 960 8952
L'Osteria serves authentic Italian cuisine and fresh seafood in a neo-traditional setting in Pantai Tengah. Offering
a range of wines which are imported from Italy, France, Spain, California, Chile, and Australia, this restaurant is a really
good place to enjoy piping hot pizzas prepared in a wood-fired oven, watch the sunset over the horizon and enjoy a
few drinks. Open: Daily 12:00 - 00:00 Location: Jalan Teluk Baru
Charlie's Place serves delectable cocktails and various non-alcoholic beverages to accompany the picturesque
sunsets and sensual bellows of the sea. Located within the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club, the breezy Charlie's Place is an
open-air restaurant and bar sited approximately 500 meters uphill from the jetty at the yacht club, accessible via a
fairly long stairway. Open: Daily 09:00 - 23:00 Location: +604 966 4078
More at http://www.langkawiinfo.com/nightlife.htm
www.asiawebdirect.com
WHERE TO SHOP
Pristine beaches and vast mountains aside, Langkawi's duty-free shopping is the next best reason to visit the tropical island. With a large
concentration of duty-free stores that stock in-demand items ranging from cigarettes, liquor and chocolates to luggage, sports shoes, perfumes, and
cooking utensils, Langkawi is undoubtedly a shopper's paradise.
Teow Soon Huat, a popular shopping venue along the Padang Matsirat area, is a massive duty-free shopping
centre with 60 outlets, 12 eateries and a supermarket. Shoppers can find specially priced household commodities, a
wide variety of apparel, luggage and bags, groceries, not forgetting imported tobacco, liquor and confectionery
products. Best of all, Teow Soon Huat also offers daily discounts of up to 70% off the original retail prices. Opening
Hours: Daily 10:00 - 22:00 Location: Padang Matsirat Tel: +604 966 6372
The Zon Shopping Paradise is a duty-free shopping complex situated on the southern end of Pantai Cenang. In
addition to some of the cheapest chocolates, liquor, tobacco and perfumes in Langkawi, The Zon Shopping Paradise
also house cosmetics, gift and souvenir items, clothing, jewellery, stationery items, watches, as well as branded
sunglasses, luggage and bags. Opening Hours: Daily 10:00 - 21:00 Location: Pantai Cenang Tel: +604 955 5300
A two-storey shopping mall conveniently located at the entrance of Kuah Jetty, Jetty Point Complex is a popular
last-minute shopping stopover for visitors before they board the ferry back to the mainland. Shoppers can find
branded clothing and accessories for men, women and children as well as duty-free cosmetics, perfume, leather
goods, sportswear, liquor and cigarettes. Read more... Opening Hours: Daily 10:00 - 21:00 Location: Kuah Tel: +604 966
7560 or +604 969 9500
CENANG MALL
A two-storey shopping complex in Pantai Cenang, Cenang Mall houses a pharmacy, supermarket, as well as
several restaurants and local retail outlets. It is comparably less frequented compared to the countless souvenir stores
and duty-free complexes in the vicinity, but Cenang Mall is perfect for those who prefer a more comfortable shopping
experience during Langkawi's rather scorching afternoons. Opening Hours: Daily 10:00 - 22:00 Location: Pantai Cenang
The Atma Alam Batik Village is a batik textile factory, and art gallery which showcases exquisite batik prints and a
wide array of cultural works. Atma Alam Batik Village also houses a large retail outlet which offers an extensive range
of batik apparel, songket and batik fabrics, original oil paintings, bags, purses, handmade crafts for sale. Atma Alam
Batik Village is the perfect place to pick up some traditional Malaysian items for souvenirs or personal mementos of
your time in Langkawi. Open: Daily 09:00 - 20:00 Location: Padang Matsirat Tel: +604 955 2615 or +604 955 1227
Located beside Underwater World Langkawi, Coco Valley stocks a dizzying assortment of cocoa products as well
as a satisfying selection of wine, whiskies, and champagnes. Best of all, Langkawi's duty-free policy means that
chocolates sold here are considerably cheaper than most places in the country. Coco Valley stocks major chocolate
brands from most parts of the world, making it a one-stop shop (or paradise) for unapologetic chocolate lovers. Open:
Daily 10:00 - 18:30 Location: Pantai Cenang
Langkawi Fair Shopping Mall is a one-stop establishment with several fast food outlets, a food court, money
changers and an information counter for tourists in Kuah. Similar to most duty-free shopping complexes on the island,
visitors can get a variety of items here including electronic items, apparels, cosmetics, perfume, leather products,
sportswear, accessories, confectioneries, liquor, and cigarettes. Open: Daily 10:00 - 22:00 Location: Kuah Tel: +604 969
8100
While Perniagaan Haji Ismail Group Sdn. Bhd. offers a selection of kitchenware, apparels, bags and luggage at
duty-free prices, it is more renowned for its vast array of confectionary products. Visitors can find chocolates from wellloved brands such as Hershey's, Cadbury's, Ritter Sports, and Toblerone which are sold at very attractive prices. Open:
Daily 10:00 - 22:00 Location: Kuah Tel: +6019 477 2205
More at http://www.langkawi-info.com/shopping/
www.asiawebdirect.com
GASTRONOMIC TIPS
The country's staple dish is rice and noodles.
Malaysian hawker fare is relatively safe, but
you should always take care not to dine in the
grungiest shops as their levels of cleanliness
can be debatable. When eating with your
hands, wash them first and (for cultural
reasons) try to use your right hand; use
utensils to take food from a communal plate,
never your fingers. Muslims are forbidden
from eating pork - and most of them are
incredibly strict about this rule - so never offer
pork to Muslims. This is also true for alcohol although there are plenty who do partake in a
little liquid indulgence now and again,
especially the younger generation.
MEASUREMENTS
Malaysia uses the metric system for weights
and measurements.
TAXI SCAMMERS
There are unscrupulous taxi drivers in the city
who love to take advantage of unsuspecting
foreigners' purse strings. These cabbies do
not charge fares according to their taxi meters
(as they are supposed to do) but charge
inflated rates. The best way to deal with this is
to refuse to pay the inflated price. Inform
them that you are aware that they're
supposed to use the meter and demand that
they charge you the prope fare. A good rule
of thumb is to knock off at least RM5 from the
inflated price - but be warned that it's not a
hard-and-fast rule; also be sure to take down
the details of errant cabbies as you can report
them to the authorities.
Tidak = No
Tolong/ Silakan = Please
Terima kasih (Terima kasih banyak banyak) =
welcome
Maaf = Excuse me/ Sorry/ Pardon - Maaf
Minta maaf = I'm sorry
Dari mana asal saudara? = Where are you
from?
Saya datang dari.. = I come from..
WOMEN TRAVELLERS
Malaysia is a fairly liberal nation, but rules of
propriety still exist. Women are especially
subject to the laws of convention and female
tourists are encouraged to adhere to these
standards. Dress modestly and try to blend in
with the locals by being respectful, especially
in areas of stronger Muslim religious
sensibilities, such as the east coast of
Peninsular Malaysia.
English?
Lah = thoroughly colloquial, 'lah' is a word
www.asiawebdirect.com
EAGLE-FEEDING/MANGROVE
Read more...
More at http://www.langkawi-info.com/tours.htm